Method of reducing cholesterol using certain aromatic keto acids

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to new chemical compounds useful as drugs, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. This application claims their hypocholesterolemic use. 
     The new products are aromatic keto acid compounds with antiinflammatory as well as analgetic and hypocholesteremic acitvity and having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R 1  is hydrogen, halogen, phenyl, halophenyl, alkyl, phenoxy, or substituted phenoxy. 
     R 2  is hydrogen or alkoxy. R 1  and R 2  may form a ring, for instance: phenyl or cyclohexyl. R 3  is always other than hydrogen, being either methyl (CH 3 ) or methylene. 
     When R 3  is CH 3 , a double bond is present between the A and B carbons. When R 3  is a methylene connected by a double bond to the B carbon, there can be only a single bond between the A and B carbons. The remaining valences of the A carbon atom are satisfied by hydrogen atoms. 
     R 4  may be OH, alkoxy, ##STR2## The drugs containing these active principles are useful in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory syndromes, pain, and conditions involving excess chloresterol.

The present invention relates to new keto acids which can be used in therapy. Their hypocholesteremic use is claimed herein.

They are useful in particular as drugs of analgetic, antiinflammatory, and hypocholesteremic action.

The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, which may contain these new compounds or their therapeutically acceptable salts, and which compositions may be administered orally, rectally, or parenterally.

The new compounds have the general formula ##STR3## wherein R₁ is hydrogen, halogen, phenyl, halophenyl, alkyl phenoxy, or substituted phenoxy.

R₂ is hydrogen or alkoxy.

R₁ and R₂ may form a ring, for instance: phenyl or cyclohexyl.

R₃ is always other than hydrogen, being either methyl (CH₃) or methylene.

When R₃ is CH₃, a double bond is present between the A and B carbons. When R₃ is a methylene connected by a double bond to the B carbon, there can be only a single bond between the A and B carbons. The remaining valences of the A carbon atom are satisfied by hydrogen atoms.

R₄ may be OH, alkoxy, ##STR4##

A. The molecules of the formula ##STR5## are preferred and are obtained by the action of itaconic anhydride on aromatic substrates in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, this being an acylation reaction of the Friedel and Crafts type.

The reaction mechanism is as follows:

The following chemical compounds and their method of preparation are given by way of nonlimitative examples (for the sake of convenience, each being designated by a code name):

EXAMPLE 1 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(para cyclo hexyl phenyl) butyric acid (R₁ =cyclohexyl) (F 1353)

1 Mole of itaconic anhydride and 1 mole of phenyl cyclohexane are dissolved in 500 cc of nitrobenzene.

The reaction mixture is cooled to about 0° C.

One and a half mole of aluminum chloride dissolved in nitrobenzene is then slowly added.

After several hours at room temperature the catalyst is destroyed by a concentrated solution of hydrochloric acid. After elimination of the nitrobenzene, the water-immiscible oily residue is recovered. This residue is crystallized by treatment in a mixture of petroleum ether and benzene.

These crystals may be recrystallized from ethyl alcohol at 80° G.L.

Filter and dry.

The product obtained has the formula: ##STR7##

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₂₀ O₃

Molecular weight: 272.3

Melting point: 150° C.

Strawyellow crystals

Plate chromatography

support: silica

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.43

Solubility properties: insoluble in water.

3% soluble in ethyl alcohol, 1% soluble in water by addition of sodium bicarbonate; 20% soluble in dimethyl acetamide; and 1% soluble in propylene glycol.

EXAMPLE 2 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-phenyl butyric acid (R₁ =H) (F-1350)

From itaconic anhydride treated with a large excess of benzene in the presence of aluminum chloride, there is recovered with a yield of about 70% the derivative of the formula: ##STR8##

Empirical formula: C₁₁ H₁₀ O₃

Molecular weight: 190.2

White crystals

Melting point: 163° C

P1ate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.48

Infrared spectrum: presence of acid and ketone ν_(C) _(=O) bands at 1700 and at 1680 cm.sup.⁻¹

Solubility properties: insoluble in water.

1% soluble in the form of sodium salt; 3% soluble in ethyl alcohol; 10% soluble in dimethyl acetamide; 25% soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide and 6% soluble in acetone.

EXAMPLE 3 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(para chloro phenyl) butyric acid (R₁ =Cl) (F 1352)

Using chlorobenzene as aromatic substrate and as solvent, by the action of itaconic anhydride in the presence of aluminum chloride there is obtained, after the customary treatment: ##STR9##

Empirical formula: C₁₁ H₉ ClO₃

Molecular weight: 224.6

Yellow crystals

Melting point: 180° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.46

Infrared spectrum: acid and ketone ν _(C) ₌ O absorption bands at 1700 and 1660 cm.sup.⁻¹.

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 1% soluble in form of sodium salt; 3% soluble in ethyl alcohol; 25% soluble in N-methyl pyrrolidone.

EXAMPLE 4 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(para phenoxy phenyl) butyric acid ##STR10##

The reaction mixture formed of:

1 mole of itaconic anhydride

1 mole of diphenyloxide

2 moles of AlCl₃

in 1 liter of nitrobenzene is agitated at room temperature for 100 hours; the catalyst is destroyed by concentrated hydrochloric acid in the presence of ice.

The organic phase is treated with Na₂ CO₃, extracted with methylene chloride and acidified. The white crystals obtained in a yield of about 80% have the formula: ##STR11##

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₁₄ O₄

Molecular weight: 282.3

White crystals

Melting point: 150° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.45

Solubility properties: the sodium salt is 10% soluble in water; the acid is insoluble. It is 3% soluble in ethyl alcohol, 1% in propylene glycol, 10% in acetone, 5% in chloroform, and 50% in NN dimethyl formamide.

EXAMPLE 5 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(phenyl-4'-para bromo phenyl) butyric acid ##STR12##

Using tetrachlorethane as solvent and 4-bromo biphenyl as substrate, on itaconic anhydride for 20 hours at room temperature and 4 hours reflux of the solvent, after the customary treatment, there is quantitatively recovered the derivative ##STR13##

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₁₃ BrO₃

Molecular weight: 345.2

Beige crystals

Decomposition point: 190° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.41 (presence of an isomer at 0.35)

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 1% soluble in ethyl alcohol, 25% in N-methyl pyrrolidone

EXAMPLE 6 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-ortho chloro phenyl phenyl) butyric acid ##STR14##

By the same procedure as previously but using 2-chloro biphenyl as substrate, there is obtained ##STR15##

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₁₃ ClO₃

Molecular weight: 300.7

White crystals

Decomposition point: 200° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.42

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. Soluble 25% in NN dimethyl acetamide; 20% in dimethyl sulfoxide; and 1% in ethyl alcohol.

EXAMPLE 7 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-fluorophenyl butyric acid (R₁ =F) (F 1376)

The fluorobenzene is used both as solvent and as substrate.

There is obtained in a yield of 80%. ##STR16##

Empirical formula: C₁₁ H₉ FO₃

Molecular weight: 208.2

Light beige crystals

Instantaneous melting point on Kofler block: 109° C.

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.41

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 20% soluble in ethyl alcohol and 10% soluble in propylene glycol.

EXAMPLE 8 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(para phenyl phenyl) butyric acid ##STR17##

A suspension of 147 g (1.1 mole) of finely crushed aluminum chloride in 200 ml of dried tetrachlorethane is agitated at room temperature in a 1 liter reactor. A solution formed of 56 g (0.5 mole) of itaconic anhydride and 77 g (0.5 mole) biphenyl in 300 ml of dry tetrachlorethane is added slowly over the course of 2 hours to the above suspension, with mechanical agitation.

The temperature of the reaction mixture is stabilized at 35°-40° C upon the addition. The greenish solution which forms is brought for 8 hours on an oil bath to 58°-60° C. After return to room temperature, the reaction mixture is hydrolyzed in 400 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid mixed with 1500 g of crushed ice. It is allowed to return to room temperature with agitation whereupon the reaction mixture is set aside overnight.

The acid aqueous phase is decanted and the organic phase is washed several times with water to a pH of 6-7.

The keto acid crystals formed in suspension in the tetrachlorethane are filtered and then centrifuged.

The crystals are recrystallized from 700 ml of dioxane; 99 g of white crystals are recovered (yield 75%) of a product having the formula ##STR18## which is identified by the following analytical properties:

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₁₄ O₃

Molecular weight: 266.3

Light beige crystals

Melting point: 208° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp.

Rf: 0.43

Solubility properties: insoluble in water even in the form of sodium salt, insoluble in ether and propylene glycol. 15% soluble in N-methyl pyrrolidone and 10% soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide.

B. Derivatives of the formula ##STR19## are obtained from the preceding derivatives by a transposition of the double bond in ether phase for instance in the presence of triethylamine. By way of example but not of limitation, we shall describe the derivative for which R₁ =H.

EXAMPLE 9 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-phenyl 2-butenoic acid (F 1351)

Empirical formula: C₁₁ H₁₀ O₃

Molecular weight: 190.2

Yellow crystals

Instantaneous melting point: 100° C.

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.36

Solubility properties: the sodium salt is 1% soluble in water, the acid is 5% soluble in ethanol and 3% in propylene glycol. By transposition of the double bond there were also obtained the acids:

-2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(p-phenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid

-2-methyl 4-oxo 4-p-fluorophenyl 2-butenoic acid

-2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-O-chlorophenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid

-2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-p-bromophenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid

-2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(p-chlorophenyl) 2-butenoic acid

-2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(p-phenoxy phenyl) 2-butenoic acid

EXAMPLE 10 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-O-chlorophenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid (F 1439)

R₁ = halophenyl

R₂ = h

r₃ = ch₃

r₄ = oh

a suspension of 30 g (0.1 mole) of 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-orthochlorophenyl phenyl) 2-butyric acid (F 1379), a product produced and described in our Example 6), in 300 ml of dry ether is agitated for 70 hours at 25° C with 85 ml (0.6 mole) of triethylamine. 300 ml of water is added to the reaction mixture and the phases are separated. The reddish ether phase is rinsed with 100 ml of water.

The aqueous phases are combined and acidified on an ice bath with concentrated hydrochloric acid.

The crystals which form are agitated for half an hour and then filtered and washed with water.

The centrifuged crystals are recrystallized from a mixture of ethyl alcohol and water. 18 g of product are recovered. Yield 60%.

The product obtained has the formula: ##STR20##

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₁₃ ClO₃

Molecular weight: 300.74

Melting point: 196° C

Yellow crystals

Plate chromatography:

support: silica

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.43

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 20% soluble in NN-dimethyl acetamide, 25% soluble in N-methyl pyrrolidone. Soluble in ether and in chloroform.

EXAMPLE 11 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-o-chlorophenyl phenyl) methyl butyrate (F 1440)

R₁ = halophenyl

R₂ = h

r₃ = methylene

R₄ = alkoxy

To a suspension of 36 g (0.12 mole) of F 1379 in 300 ml of anhydrous acetone there are added 30.2 g (0.24 mole) of methyl sulfate diluted in 50 ml of acetone and then 20.2 g (0.24 mole) of sodium bicarbonate. The heterogeneous mixture is brought to the reflux temperature of the acetone for 12 hours. After return to room temperature, the sodium salt formed is eliminated by filtration over fritted glass and rinsed with 100 ml of acetone.

The acetone filtrate is concentrated under vacuum with a rotavapor at a temperature of 30° C. The residual oil is taken up in 300 ml of methylene chloride and treated twice with 200 ml of a 5% solution of NaHCO₃. It is then washed with water until neutral.

The organic phase is dried overnight over anhydrous sodium sulfate, then filtered and evaporated to dryness.

The residue is recrystallized from 60 ml of boiling methyl alcohol.

27 g are recovered (yield 76%) of the product of the following formula: ##STR21##

Empirical formula: C₁₈ H₁₅ ClO₃

Molecular weight: 314.77

Melting point: 85° C

Light yellow crystals

Plate chromatography:

support: silica

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.8

Solubility properties: insoluble in water

60% soluble in NN dimethylacetamide and in N-methyl pyrrolidone.

Corresponding other alkyl esters, especially those having up to and including eight carbon atoms, such as ethyl, butyl and octyl, are obtained by conventional esterification procedure, as are the corresponding haloalkyl such as chloroethyl, hydroxyalkyl such as hydroxypropyl, and glyceryl esters.

EXAMPLE 12 2(methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-orthochlorophenyl phenyl) N(meta trifluoromethyl phenyl) 2-butenamide (F 1441)

R₁ = halophenyl;

R₂ = h;

r₃ = ch₃ ; ##STR22##

a. Preparation of the acid chloride

The acid chloride is freshly prepared from 0.125 mole of the acid (F 1439) described in Example 10 and from 0.13 mole of PCl₅ in 300 ml of cyclohexane.

It is heated for 1 hour under reflux and then concentrated under vacuum; 25 g of crystals of acid chloride are recovered.

b. Preparation of the amide

To a solution of 11 g (0.068 mole) of ααα-trifluoro-m-toluidine and 5.4 g (0.068 mole) of pyridine in 50 ml of benzene there is slowly added, while icing, a solution of 22.4 g (0.069 mole) of previously prepared acid chloride in 250 ml of benzene. After agitating overnight at room temperature, the reaction mixture is brought to 55° C for 21/2 hours. After cooling, the mixture is taken up in 250 ml of ethyl acetate and then washed with water.

The organic phase is treated thereupon with a 5% aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and then with 5% NaHCO₃ and then washed with water until neutral.

The organic phase is evaporated and the residue obtained is recrystallized from isopropyl ether.

17 g of product (56%) are recovered having the following formula: ##STR23##

Empirical formula: C₂₄ H₁₇ ClF₃ NO₂

Molecular weight: 443.85

White crystals

Melting point: 179° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.58

Solubility properties: insoluble in water, 6% soluble in alcohol.

EXAMPLE 13 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-phenyl N(m-trifluoromethyl phenyl) 2-butenamide (F 1442)

R₁ = r₂ = h;

r₃ = ch₃ ; ##STR24##

a. Preparation of the acid chloride

To a suspension of 30.3 g (0.158 mole) of 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-phenyl 2-butenoic acid (F 1351), a product described and produced in our Example 9), in 200 ml of dry cyclohexane 36.2 g (0.174 mole) of PCl₅ are slowly added with a spatula.

The reaction mixture is brought to the reflux temperature of the cyclohexane for 11/2 hours.

After return to room temperature, the insoluble matter is filtered off. The cyclohexane and the POCl₃ formed is evaporated with a rotovapor under a high vacuum.

A viscous red oil is recovered which is used in crude form.

b. Preparation of the amide

32.7 g of the acid chloride previously obtained are dissolved in 30 ml of methylene chloride. The solution is iced and 24.2 g (0.15 mole) of meta-trifluoromethyl aniline and 12.4 g (0.156 mole) of pyridine dissolved in 50 ml of CH₂ Cl₂ are added drop by drop.

The reaction mixture is allowed to return to room temperature, it being maintained under strong agitation for 24 hours.

It is then brought to 55° C for 45 minutes. After cooling, the amide of the following formula is recovered in the customary manner: ##STR25##

Empirical formula: C₁₈ H₁₄ F₃ NO₂

Molecular weight: 333.31

Melting point: 90° C

Yellow crystals

Plate chromatography:

support: silica

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp and iodine

Rf: 0.73

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 30% soluble in alcohol of 95° GL, 40% soluble in NN dimethyl acetamide and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

EXAMPLE 14 N-(4-phenyl 4-oxo 2-methyl 2-butenoyl)morpholine (F 1443)

R₁ = r₂ = h;

r₃ = ch₃ ; ##STR26## using the acid chloride described in Example 13 and the morpholine as amine, there is recovered after the customary treatment: ##STR27##

Empirical formula: C₁₅ H₁₇ NO₃

Molecular weight: 259.3

Melting point: 156° C

White crystals

Plate chromatography:

support: silica

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 4/15/90

development: ultraviolet lamp and iodine

Rf: 0.58

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 1.5% soluble in alcohol of 95° GL, 5% soluble in NN-dimethyl acetamide and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

EXAMPLE 15 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-phenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid (F 1448)

R₁ = phenyl;

R₂ = h;

r₃ = ch₃ ;

r₄ = oh

the 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(para phenyl phenyl) butyric acid (F 1377), a product produced and described in our Example 8), is treated with triethylamine by a process similar to the preparation of F 1439 described in Example 1.

The acid of the following formula is obtained: ##STR28##

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₁₄ O₃

Molecular weight: 266.3

Light yellow crystals

Melting point: 182° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 4/25/90

development ultraviolet lamp

Rf.: 0.61

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 1% soluble in alcohol, 25% soluble in NN-dimethyl acetamide and 20% soluble in N-methyl pyrrolidone.

EXAMPLE 16 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4' p-chlorophenyl phenyl) butyric acid (F 1449)

R₁ = halophenyl;

R₂ = h;

r₃ = methylene;

R₄ = oh

by a process similar to that used for the preparation of the F 1379 described and produced in our Example 6, but using 4-chloro biphenyl as substrate, there is obtained: ##STR29##

Empirical formula: C₁₇ H₁₃ ClO₃

Molecular weight: 300.7

White crystals

Melting point: 192° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.43

Solubility properties: insoluble in water, 1% soluble in absolute alcohol; 30% soluble in NN-dimethyl acetamide and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

EXAMPLE 17 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-naphthalene butanoic acid (F 1494)

R₁ and R₂ form the benzene ring

R₃ is methylene

R₄ = oh

by a process similar to that used for the preparation of the F 1379, described and produced in our Example 6), but using naphthalene as substrate, there is obtained ##STR30##

Empirical formula: C₁₅ H₁₂ O₃

Molecular weight: 240.26

White crystals

Melting point: 142° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: iodine

Rf: 0.36

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 3% soluble in alcohol, 50% soluble in N-dimethyl acetamide and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

EXAMPLE 18 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(1'-2'-3'-4'-tetrahydronaphthalene) butyric acid (F 1495)

R₁ and R₂ for the cyclohexyl ring

R₃ = methylene

R₄ = oh

by a process similar to that used for the preparation of F 1379, described and produced in our Example 6, but using Tetralin as substrate there is obtained: ##STR31##

Empirical formula: C₁₅ H₁₆ O₃

Molecular weight: 244.29

White crystals

Melting point: 123° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf: 0.41

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 8% soluble in alcohol of 95° GL, 50% soluble in N-dimethyl acetamide and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

EXAMPLE 19 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-orthochlorophenyl phenyl) arginine butyrate (F 1496)

174 g (1 mole) of arginine are dissolved in 2.5 liters of water and 301 g (1 mole) of F 1379, a product described and produced in our Example 6, are added in small portions by spatula.

The solution is then evaporated to dryness and the residue is recrystallized from alcohol. The product of the following formula is recovered: ##STR32##

Empirical formula: C₂₃ H₂₇ ClN₄ O₅

Molecular weight: 474.9

Melting point: 130° to 140° C

Yellow crystals

Solubility properties: soluble in water.

The corresponding lysine and piperazine salts are obtained according to conventional procedure in substantially the same manner.

EXAMPLE 20 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(3' phenyl, 4'-methoxy phenyl) butyric acid (F 1497)

R₁ = phenyl;

R₂ = alkoxy;

R₃ = methylene;

R₄ = oh

by a process similar to that used for the preparation of F 1379, described and produced in our Example 6, but using 2-methoxy biphenyl as substrate, there is obtained: ##STR33##

Empirical formula: C₁₈ H₁₆ O₄

Molecular weight: 296.3

White crystals

Melting point: 145° C

Plate chromatography:

support: silica gel

solvent: acetic acid/dioxane/benzene 2/8/90

development: ultraviolet lamp

Rf.: 0.36

Solubility properties: insoluble in water. 6% soluble in ethanol of 95° GL and 30% soluble in N-dimethyl acetamide.

The chemical compounds previously described were submitted to toxicity tests. The acute toxicity of certain compounds, determined by the 50% lethal dose, is reported in the following table. It was determined in mice by oral administration and was calculated in accordance with the method of MILLER & TAINTER. It is generally low and greater than 1000 mg/kg.

    ______________________________________                                                          Acute toxicity in mice                                                         administered orally                                                            LD.sub.50 in mg/kg                                                             (mortality determined 48                                      Compounds        hours after administration)                                   ______________________________________                                         F 1376 compound No. 7                                                                               1400                                                      F 1377 compound No. 8                                                                               >2000                                                     F 1379 compound No. 6                                                                               1500                                                      F 1439               2370                                                      F 1440               >1000                                                     F 1442               >1000                                                     ______________________________________                                    

The pharmacological experiments to which these new compounds were subjected made it possible to note antiinflammatory, analgetic, and hypolipemizing properties.

The antiinflammatory properties were shown by the carrageenin edema test in rats, the products having been administered orally 1 hour before the intrapodal injection of 0.05 ml of a 2% suspension of carrageenin; the volume of the rat's paw was measured by plethysmoscopy 3, 4 and 6 hours afterwards.

The experiment concerned for each lot about 30 lots; one lot of animals receiving only the vehicle (2 ml/100 g of Tween + water) which served for the administration of the products, constituted the control lot. The following table sets forth the results obtained:

    __________________________________________________________________________                                           % mean varia-                                                                  tion of the                                      Number      % increase in volume of                                                                          volume of the                                    of  Mean                                                                               Para-                                                                              the paw at        pan at 3,4 and                           Lots    Rats                                                                               Weight                                                                             Meters                                                                             + 3 hrs                                                                              + 4 hrs                                                                              + 6 hrs                                                                              6 hrs.                                   __________________________________________________________________________     Controls        m   50,1  49,7  46,0                                           2 ml/100 g                                                                             10  185 s2  51,43 40,68 55,33                                          Tween +         md  2,3   2,0   2,3                                            water                                                                          F 1350          m   34,3  39,7  46,1                                           300 mg/kg                                                                              10  185 s2  137,79                                                                               128,01                                                                               200,99                                                                               -17                                                      md  3,7   3,6   4,5                                                            Action                                                                             - 31% - 20%/ 0                                                                 p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,05                                                     Number      % increase in volume of                                            of  Mean                                                                               Para-                                                                              the paw at        Cumula-                                  Lots    Rats                                                                               Weight                                                                             meters                                                                             + 3 hrs                                                                              + 4 hrs                                                                              + 6 hrs                                                                              tive                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Controls        m   58,45 65,0  67,45 190,9                                    2cc/100 g       s2  159,313                                                                              132,315                                                                              100,155                                        (Tween +                                                                               20  191 md  2,8   2,6   2,3                                            water)                                                                         F 1379          m   24,40 34,35 47,40 106,1                                    50 mg/kg                                                                               20  190 s2  72,042                                                                               128,239                                                                              129,200                                                        md  2,0   2,5   2,5                                                            Action                                                                             -58,2%                                                                               -47,0%                                                                               -29,7%                                                                               -44,4%                                                       p < 0,001                                                                            p < 0,001                                                                            p < 0,001                                      F 1379          m   18,74 26,05 38,8  83,6                                     100 mg/kg                                                                              19  194 s2  66,538                                                                               120,274                                                                              233,286                                                        md  1,9   2,5   3,5                                                            Action                                                                             -67,9%                                                                               -59,9%                                                                               -42,5%                                                                               -56,2%                                                       p < 0,001                                                                            p < 0,001                                                                            p < 0,001                                      F 1379          m   19,6  25,1  32,8  77,5                                     200 mg/kg                                                                              20  198 s2  118,357                                                                              157,463                                                                              241,642                                                        md  2,4   2,8   3,5                                                            Action                                                                             -66,4%                                                                               -61,3%                                                                               -51,3%                                                                               -59,4%                                                       p < 0,001                                                                            p < 0,001                                                                            p < 0,001                                                      m   70,9  66,5  66,1  203,5                                    Controls                                                                               10  180 s2  41,211                                                                               28,277                                                                               44,988                                                         md  2,0   1,7   2,1                                            F 1379          m   58,4  60,1  61,1  179,6                                    30 mg/kg                                                                               10  180 s2  51,600                                                                               37,877                                                                               80,100                                                         md  2,3   1,0   2,8                                                            Action                                                                             -17,6%                                                                               -9,6% -7%   -11,7%                                                       p < 0,001                                                                            p < 0,05                                                                             p > 0,01                                                                             % mean varia-                                                                  tion of the                                      Number      % increase in volume of                                                                          volume of the                                    of  Mean                                                                               Para-                                                                              the paw at        paw at 3,4 and                           Lots    Rats                                                                               Weight                                                                             Meters                                                                            + 3 hrs                                                                               + 4 hrs                                                                              + 6 hrs                                                                             6 hrs                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Controls        m  50,1   49,7  46,0                                           2 ml/100 g                                                                             10  185 s2 51,43  40,68 55,33                                          Tween+water     md 2,3    2,0   2,3                                            F 1351          m  29,7   33,8  40,6                                           300 mg/kg                                                                              10  185 s2 47,79  63,07 195,16                                                         md 2,2    2,5   4,4                                                            Action                                                                            -41%   -32%  -12%                                                              p < 0,01                                                                              p  0,01                                                                              p < 0,05                                       F 1352          m  35,8   37,9  37,3                                           300 mg/kg                                                                              9   190 s2 102,69 137,61                                                                               248,50                                                         md 3,4    3,9   5.2  -23,6                                                     Action                                                                            -28%   -24%  -19%                                                              p < 0,01                                                                              p < 0,05                                                                             p < 0,05                                       Controls        m  61,6   60,4  57,1                                           2 ml/100 g                                                                             10  180 s2 43,60  50,26 41,87                                          Tween+water     md 2,1    2,4   2,0                                            F 1376          m  50,8   51,5  54,8                                           300 mg/kg                                                                              10  175 s2 40,17  32,50 47,95                                          P.O. - 1 h      md 2,0    1,8   2,2  -12                                                       Action                                                                            -17%   -15%  -4%                                                               p < 0,01                                                                              p < 0,05                                                                             p < 0,05                                       F 1378          m  45,4   47,9  52,4                                           300 mg/kg                                                                              10  180 s2 20,26  24,10 46,93                                          P.O. - 1 h      md 1,4    1,5   2,2  -18,3                                                     Action                                                                            -26%   -21%  -8%                                                               p < 0,01                                                                              p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,05                                       F 1380          m  50,3   52,8  55,6                                           200 mg/kg                                                                              10  175 s2 49,12  18,17 30,26                                          P.O. - 1 h      md 2,2    1,3   1,7  -11                                                       Action                                                                            -18%   -12%  -3%                                                               p < 0,01                                                                              p < 0,05                                                                             p < 0,05                                       Carrageenin edema                                                                                                    % mean vari-                                                                   ation of the                                                                   volume of                                        Number      % increase in volume of                                                                          the paw at                                       of  Mean                                                                               Para-                                                                              the paw at        3,4 and                                  Lots    Rats                                                                               Weight                                                                             meters                                                                             3 hrs 4 hrs 6 hrs 6 hrs.                                   __________________________________________________________________________     Controls                                                                               30  170 m   60    59    56                                                             s2  108,616                                                                              86,116                                                                               114,685                                                        md  2     2     2                                              F 1439  30  172 m   38    40    40                                             75 mg/kg        s2  89,223                                                                               77,058                                                                               113,688                                                                              -32                                                      md  2     2     2                                                              % var.                                                                             -36   -33   -28                                                                p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                       F 1440  30  169 m   47    50,5  51                                             75 mg/kg        s2  123,961                                                                              130,185                                                                              169,840                                                                              -15                                                      md  2     2,083 2,379                                                          % var.                                                                             -22   -15   -9                                                                 p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                                                             p > 0,05                                       F 1442  30  167 m   50    51    49                                             75 mg/kg        s2  90,809                                                                               73,167                                                                               49,126                                                                               -13                                                      md  2     1,5   1                                                              % var.                                                                             -16   -14   -11                                                                p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,05                                       F 1449  30  162 m   42    45    44,5                                           75 mg/kg        s2  132,723                                                                              124,488                                                                              121,978                                                                              -24                                                      md  2     2     2                                                              % var.                                                                             -29   -24   -20                                                                p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                                                             % mean varia-                                                                  tion of the                                      Number      % increase in the volume of                                                                      volume of the                                    of  Mean                                                                               Para-                                                                              the paw           paw at 3,4                               Lots    Rats                                                                               Weight                                                                             meters                                                                             + 3 hrs                                                                              + 4 hrs                                                                              + 6 hrs                                                                              and 6 hrs.                               __________________________________________________________________________     Control 10  175 m   46,0  48,7  46,3                                                           s2  155,556                                                                              128,011                                                                              215,344                                                        md  4,0   3,6   4,6                                            1377    10  170 m   28,8  30,5  37,2                                           75 mg/kg        s2  131,511                                                                              143,833                                                                              145,511                                                        md  3,6   3,8   3,8   -30%                                                     action                                                                             -37   -37   -18                                                                p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                                                             p > 0,05                                       Control 9   170 m   51,2  49,4  41,9                                                           s2  181,446                                                                              116,027                                                                              212,861                                                        md  4,5   3,6   4,9                                            1377    10  170 m   27,4  28,0  28,4                                           200 mg/kg       s2  27,600                                                                               45,333                                                                               52,711                                                         md  1,7   2,1   2,3   -40% -   action -46 -43 -32                                  p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,01                                                                             p < 0,05                                       __________________________________________________________________________      m = mean                                                                       s2 = variance                                                                  md = mean deviation                                                            p = precision                                                            

The analgetic properties were shown in a male mouse of a weight of close to 22 g by the "writhing test" method, that is to say based on the writhings induced by acetic acid. The administration of the compounds is effected by mouth at the time t. It is followed by the intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg of 0.75% acetic acid at the time t + 50 min. The determination of the writhings is effected from t + 60 min. to t + 70 min. The vehicle used for the administration of the products is a 5% solution of Tween 80 in 0.9% NaCl which will serve as control. The results thus obtained are set forth in the following table:

    __________________________________________________________________________                         Mean                                                              Dose   No. of                                                                               No. of                                                                               Mean  %                                              Compound                                                                              mg/kg  Animals                                                                              Writhings                                                                            Deviation                                                                            Decrease                                       __________________________________________________________________________     Control                                                                         (vehicle)                                                                             25 ml/kg                                                                             15    44,6  4,8   --                                             F 1350 200 mg/kg                                                                             15    25,7  6,5   42,3 %                                         F 1351 200 mg/kg                                                                             15    28,0  4,5   48,2 %                                         F 1352 200 mg/kg                                                                             15    26,6  4,0   40,3 %                                         Control                                                                         (vehicle)                                                                             25 ml/kg                                                                             30    39,0  3,8   --                                             F 1379 200 mg/kg                                                                             20    31,8  2,7   18,4 %                                         acetylsali-                                                                    cyclic acid                                                                           200 mg/kg                                                                             30    24,7  3,2   36,6 %                                         __________________________________________________________________________

The analgetic properties of certain compounds were shown in mice by the "writhing test" method, that is to say with reference to the writhings induced by phenylbenzoquinone. The administration of the product is effected orally at time t; it is followed by the intraperitoneal injection of 0.2% phenylbenzoquinone at t + 30 min. The determination of the writhings is effected from t + 35 min. to t + 40 min. One lot of animals receiving only the vehicle (5% Tween 80 in 0.9% NaCl) serves as control. The results are set forth in the following table:

    ______________________________________                                                           Number   Mean No.                                                                               Mean  %                                             Dose      of       of      Devia-                                                                               De-                                   Compound                                                                               mg/kg     Animals  Writhings                                                                              tion  crease                                ______________________________________                                          Control                                                                       (vehicle)                                                                               25 ml/kg 20       25,5    2,4                                         F 1377  300       20        8,00   1,4   68,6                                   Control                                                                       (vehicle)                                                                               25 ml/kg 18       33,05   2,8                                         F 1449  200       20       27,4    2,7     17                                  ______________________________________                                    

The Hypocholesterolemizing properties were observed for compounds of the invention according to standard test procedure employing rats maintained upon a normal diet, and then subjected to oral administration of the compounds for 4 consecutive days. One lot of rats served as control.

The sampling was effected on the 5th day after 16 hours fasting, by cardiac puncture and the total blood cholesterol determination was effected by the Liebermann-Burchardt colorimetric method.

The results for certain compounds in the series are set forth in the following table.

    __________________________________________________________________________                                 % Variation                                                  No. of                                                                             Parameters    of the                                             Compound  rats                                                                               M   S2   MD   Chlosterol                                         __________________________________________________________________________     Control   10  0,80                                                                               0,009                                                                               0,03                                                    F 1376 300 mg/kg                                                                         10  0,66                                                                               0,016                                                                               0,038                                                                               - 17,5p <0,02                                      200 mg/kg                                                                      Control   10  1,06                                                                               0,009                                                                               0,03                                                    F 1439    10  0,67                                                                               0,009                                                                               0,03 - 36,8                                             300 mg/kg                   p < 0,01                                           F 1379    11  0,62                                                                               0,007                                                                               0,024                                                                               - 41,8                                             300 mg/kg                   p < 0.01                                           __________________________________________________________________________

This hypocholesterolemizing effect is accordingly utilized in the treatment of a subject, i.e., living animal body, i.e., in a method of reducing blood cholesterol, which comprises administering, by any suitable route, preferably orally, to a subject in need of blood cholesterol reduction, e.g., for prophylactic or ameliorative purposes, an effective cholesterol reducing amount of a compound of the invention, preferably in the form of the free acid or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, and preferably in the form of a pharmaceutical composition together with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, all as further disclosed hereinafter.

After having made certain of a tolerance compatible with therapeutic application, clinical tests were carried out in the case of some of the compounds forming the object of the invention. They were applied in the field of the prevention and treatment of inflammatory syndromes which appear, for instance, in cases of inflammatory polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lumbago, injuries to the locomotor apparatus, but also in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Within the clinical tests carried out, especially in rheumatology and traumatology, the compounds were used either in their free acid state or in the state of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt (salt of sodium, potassium, lithium, arginine, piperizine, dimethylamino ethanol, etc.). They were administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules or pills having a dose of 50 to 1000 mg per unit. Other forms may be used for general administration and for local applications.

Depending on the results which it is desired to obtain they were administered in oral form (tablets, sugar-coated pills, capsules), parenteral form, rectal form or local form. The compounds claimed can be used alone or in combination with other active principles useful for the treatment.

By way of illustration and not of limitation, a few formulas for pharmaceutical preparations containing compounds forming the object of the invention alone or combined with other active principles useful for the complete treatment of the ailment concerned are given below:

    ______________________________________                                         1) Coated tablets                                                              ______________________________________                                         F 1379             100 mg                                                      excipient qsp      1 enteric coated tablet                                     or                                                                             F 1439             100 mg                                                      excipient qsp      1 tablet                                                    2) Suppositories                                                               ______________________________________                                         F 1379             200 mg                                                      N-butylhyoscine bromide                                                                           10 mg                                                       excipient qsp      1 suppository of 2 g                                        3) Cream                                                                       ______________________________________                                         F 1379             2 g                                                         Mephenesine        10 g                                                        excipient qsp      100 g                                                       4) Tablets                                                                     ______________________________________                                         F 1377             100 mg                                                      Noramidopyrine methane                                                         sulfonate          200 mg                                                      excipient qsp      1 tablet                                                    5) Solution for injection                                                      ______________________________________                                         F 1379 sodium salt 300 mg                                                      water for injection                                                                               2 ml                                                        or                                                                             F 1496             300 mg                                                      Dibencozide, lyophilized                                                                          3 mg                                                        water for injection                                                                               5 ml                                                        ______________________________________                                    

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the compounds of the present invention are active antiinflammatory, analgetic, and hypocholesteremic compounds. As such, they may be utilized either per se or preferably in the form of pharmaceutical compositions together with pharmaceutic diluents, carriers, or adjuvants, according to the customary procedure in the art. They may, in this manner, be embodied into pharmaceutical compositions, comprising an effective antiinflammatory or analgetic amount of the compound together with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. They may be administered in the form of such pharmaceutical compositions wherein the amount of active ingredient is preferably between about 50 and 1000 mg. per unit, depending upon the patient involved and the exact syndrome being treated, depending of course upon the judgment of the physician or veterinarian in charge, body weight of the patient, et cetera. The daily regimen is accordingly one to four of such unit dosages as previously mentioned, for prophylactic or ameliorative treatment of the exact condition involved, whether inflammation, pain, or a tendency toward excess blood cholesterol. In the treatment of inflammatory or pain syndromes, the compounds or compositions are administered to a subject suffering therefrom in an effective antiinflammatory or analgetic amount. When the compounds or compositions are employed for their hypocholesterolemizing effect, they are administered to a subject in need of cholesterol reduction, particularly blood cholesterol reduction, in an effective cholesterol-reducing amount. For all uses, the compounds or compositions are preferably administered orally, and preferably are administered in the form of the free acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In all cases, the compounds or compositions are preferably, although not necessarily, administered orally. All of the usual diluents, carriers, or adjuvants may be employed to facilitate administration of the compounds of the present invention. The compounds may obviously be administered in combination with other active ingredients, in accord with standard practice in the art.

Of the compounds disclosed in this application, the preferred compounds are those wherein R₃ is methylene, R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and methoxy, R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methoxy, and R₁ is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine, phenoxy, phenyl, and ortho-halophenyl. Innumerable pharmaceutically-acceptable salts are readily available and conventionally prepared, such as those mentioned hereinbefore. Salts with alkali and alkaline-earth metals, amino acids such as arginine and lysine, or amines such as diloweralkylamino alkanols and the like are preferred, as are salts with piperazine and the like. Of the preferred compounds mentioned above, those which are free acids or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein R₁ is phenyl or ortho-halophenyl, especially those compounds wherein R₃ is methylene, are especially preferred, compounds of the types F 1377 and F 1379 and the like being particularly preferred from the standpoint of their hypocholesterolemizing action.

It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of operation or exact compounds, compositions, methods, or procedures shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. 

We claim:
 1. A method of reducing blood cholesterol which comprises administering to a living animal body in need of blood cholesterol reduction an effective cholesterol reducing amount of a compound of the following formula: ##STR34## wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, phenyl, ortho-halophenyl, and phenoxy,R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methoxy, or wherein R₁ and R₂ taken, together with carbon atoms from the phenyl nucleus, form a ring selected from phenyl and cyclohexyl rings, R₃ is selected from the group consisting of methyl (CH₃ --) and methylene (CH₂ =), provided that: when R₃ is methyl, a double bond is present between the A and B carbons; when R₃ is methylene, a single bond is present between the A and B carbons; the remaining valences of the A carbon atom in any case being satisfied by hydrogen atoms, and R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkoxy or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is a compound of claim 1 whereinR₃ is methylene, R₄ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and methoxy, R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methoxy, and R₁ is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine, phenoxy, phenyl, and ortho-halophenyl.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is an acid of claim 1 in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is an acid of claim 1 in the form of its arginine, lysine, or piperazine salt.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the compound is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the amount of active ingredient is between about 50 and 1000 mg per unit.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(para-phenyl phenyl) butyric acid.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-ortho-chlorophenyl phenyl) butyric acid.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-o-chlorophenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is administered to the subject orally.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is administered according to a daily regimen of one to four unit dosages.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol reducing compound is selected from the group consisting of:2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-ortho-chloro phenyl phenyl) butyric acid 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-para-fluoro phenyl butyric acid 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(para-phenyl phenyl) butyric acid 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(para-phenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid 2-methyl-4-oxo 4-p-fluorophenyl 2-butenoic acid 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-o-chlorophenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-o-chlorophenyl phenyl) methyl butyrate 2-methyl 4-oxo 4-(4'-phenyl phenyl) 2-butenoic acid 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-naphthalene butyric acid 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(1',2',3',4'-tetrahydronaphthalene) butyric acid 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(4'-orthochlorophenyl phenyl) arginine butyrate and 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(3'-phenyl 4'-methoxy phenyl) butyric acid.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol-reducing compound is 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-naphthalene butanoic acid.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the active cholesterol-reducing compound is 2-methylene 4-oxo 4-(1',2',3',4'-tetrahydronaphthalene) butyric acid. 